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Strathbogie residents still waiting for an ambulance

It is taking longer to get an ambulance in the Strathbogie Shire than it did four years ago, the most recent Ambulance Victoria response time data shows.

Released this morning, the data shows an average code one response time of 21.22 minutes in Strathbogie, more than eight minutes longer than the state average.

Member for Euroa and Deputy Leader of The Nationals Steph Ryan said the figures were compelling evidence of Nagambie’s need for a permanent ambulance presence.

“Only 20-30 per cent of code responses are arriving in under 15 minutes,” Ms Ryan said.

“Compare this to inner city Melbourne where 70-100 per cent of code one responses are arriving in under 15 minutes and you get a stark insight into the gap between Melbourne and regional Victoria.

“For code two call outs, it is taking between 30 – 35 minutes on average for an ambulance to arrive.

“Strathbogie residents deserve to know why Daniel Andrews is delaying a decision on providing an ambulance for Nagambie where it is needed most.”

Ms Ryan said the Nagambie community had been pushing for an ambulance for a number of years now and most recently had assisted in supporting her petition calling on the Andrews Government to deliver an ambulance for Nagambie.

‘Hundreds of people from across the community signed my petition which I have since presented to Parliament,” Ms Ryan said.

“This is an issue of equity and it is an issue of community safety.

“Nagambie needs an ambulance, the evidence is there and the community support is there.

“All we are waiting for is a meaningful commitment from the state government.”